New details announced for Hartlepool's festive charity dip

The Boxing Day Dip returns once again to Seaton Carew in one of the biggest fundraisers in the town all year.

Hartlepool Round Table are organising the popular event on Tuesday, December 26.

It says there is no better way to clear your head after a Christmas of over indulgence and raise money for causes close to your heart than running into the North Sea.

Around 100 people have already put their name down for a bracing dip in the water, and about 300 are expected to charge into the water on the day.

This year there is a new shorter route to the beach with The Marine Hotel acting as dip headquarters.

James Black, from the Hartlepool Round Table, said: “I think this will be our fifth year doing the dip.

“We think it is a fantastic event that the Hartlepool Lions did for about 30 years prior to ourselves.

“It is written into the history of Hartlepool and raises thousands and thousands of pounds for charity.

“Last year it probably raised about £150,000 for local and national charities.”

Dippers this year will have just a short walk across the road on The Front and down the slipway ramp at the bottom of Station Lane and onto the beach and then into the water.

James added: “We would like to see more people around that area cheering the dippers on.”

The parade will set off from the hotel at 11.30am prompt and will be lead by Hartlepool Round Table Chairman, Dominic Wheatley.

The hotel is providing six rooms for people wishing to dry off and get changed afterwards.

The Round Table said: “Then its time for a beer and to catch up with friends, knowing that you have just done something really great (and a bit silly) for a good cause.”

People can register up until 10am on the day of the dip.

But organisers advising fundraisers sign up in advance on the website to save time on the day itself.

It costs just £5 to take part which goes towards the cost of staging it.

Hartlepool RNLI will once again be on hand to make sure everyone stays safe while they are in the water.

Spectators on the beach will be encouraged to stay behind an area which will be taped out on the advice of the RNLI and Hartlepool Coastguard.

To register and for all the details visit the website http://hartlepoolroundtable.co.uk/boxing-day-dip.html

Sponsor forms are also available on the website.